Google went off-book with news of its upcoming Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, providing a preview of its next flagship several months before the expected release date. A teaser wouldn't have caused a raised eyebrow but when the information goes beyond a photo or two and into specific details, it might lead some to question the reason for this early, partial preview and the strategy behind the decision.

Google shared a teaser about its Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 in August of 2020, along with the announcement of the Pixel 4a, which was limited to LTE connectivity. This was a bit unusual but seen as some quirk related to the pandemic throwing off the normal flow of events. The reveal included a single image and a brief blurb. A side view of the two phones pressed close together and positioned between the number '5' and Google's logo provided a playful way to mention the 5G capability of these devices. The text confirmed the names, the Pixel 4a 5G's $499 price, and a fall release date.

Related: Pixel 6 & 6 Pro: New Chip, Colors & Everything Else Google Just Confirmed

By comparison, Google's preview of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, supplied a large amount of detailed information about the exciting new flagship coming this fall, including a discussion of its first in-house mobile processor design, the Tensor system-on-a-chip, the number of rear cameras, and the zoom level of its telephoto lens. Google posted on its blog about the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, detailing the aluminum finish and highlighting the unreleased phones in its store. Plenty of photos show multiple angles and all of the colors. While there is quite a bit more to be revealed, notably pricing, display details, and other specifications, Google seems to have tried to share enough to build excitement without spoiling anticipation of the actual announcement.

Why Google Previewed Its Pixel 6

Google Pixel 6 And 6 Pro All Colors

One reason for Google to unveil some of the details of its new Tensor chip is to highlight the unique and powerful capabilities of the upcoming Pixel 6 and 6 Pro when compared with competing smartphones and even previous generations of the Pixel. Samsung regularly outpaces Google's offerings in sales due to the advanced hardware employed in Galaxy S series and Note-series phones. Also, some felt the Pixel 5 wasn't a true flagship since its camera and display hardware were lagging behind those of competitors and its processor was not the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. In some ways, the Pixel 4 offered better hardware than the Pixel 5. According to various interviews with Google executives, the Pixel 6 will be well-promoted and the company is eager to sell more than it has in the past.

With a stronger focus on sales, there might be some internal concern about following the new smartphone releases from both Samsung and Apple. Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip is rumored to be more affordable and features a Snapdragon 888 and IP68 rating, launching alongside its improved but likely still expensive Galaxy Z Fold 3 in August. Apple is said to be bringing improved cameras to all iPhone 13 models and a 120Hz refresh rate to its iPhone 13 Pro in September. Google typically announces its flagship in October, so perhaps this early and in-depth preview is to keep shoppers on the hook a bit longer. Of course, Google might also be breaking news in a way that it can control in advance of rumors and leaks.

Taking all of this into consideration, it seems Google doesn’t want the Pixel 6 to be dismissed as just another iteration of the Pixel line, rather wishing these new phones to be seen as unique and potentially revolutionary. The upcoming Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will deliver enhanced capabilities, some of which might be exclusive to the new Google Tensor processor, designed specifically to further Google's particular vision of computational photography and integrated AI within Android.

Next: Google Tensor Chip Might Result In Better Video On Pixel 6 Than iPhone

Source: Google/Twitter